Tennessee remains committed to nuclear energy

Tennessee is a remarkable place. It’s a beautiful piece of America with a rich history, and its people are passionate about protecting and honoring their state.

As co-chairman of the Clean and Safe Energy Coalition, I have a deep appreciation for the spirit in Tennessee. We need only look at the historic electrification of the Tennessee Valley at a time when the country was in desperate need of affordable power and the economic boost that goes with it. Cutting-edge research at the state’s universities is evidence that the spirit of innovation is alive and well. And that brings me to an issue that is timely indeed: energy sources for the future.

Today’s energy challenge is to develop an infrastructure capable of meeting growing demand with minimal environmental impact. For Tennessee, meeting that challenge involves embracing and investing in everything from traditional fuels like coal and natural gas to renewables like wind and hydroelectric. It also means a deep commitment to nuclear energy.

Energy is one of the primary industries in the state. The Tennessee Valley Authority generates electricity that is consumed by 9 million people in seven states. TVA’s use of hydro and nuclear power has reduced nitrogen oxides in the Tennessee Valley by 90 percent since levels were at their peak. That means less smog and much cleaner air. Sulfur dioxide, which leads to acid rain, also has decreased by 94 percent since peak levels.

Nuclear energy already accounts for a third of the electricity used in Tennessee. It’s produced at three reactors in two facilities: Sequoyah and Watts Bar. Another reactor — one of five reactors under construction in the U.S. — is being built at Watts Barr and probably will come online in 2016.

These facilities are important sources, not just of energy but of 2,200 well-paying jobs with a payroll of more than $180 million. The new reactor under construction at Watts Bar employs more than 3,000 skilled workers and craftsmen. Once the new reactor is online, Tennessee will be the proud home of the last reactor to be built in the 20th century and the first new reactor to produce electricity in the 21st century.

During a recent visit to Tennessee, I was inspired by the continued curiosity about, commitment to innovations in and expansion of nuclear energy. It reinforces my strong belief in the work of the CASEnergy Coalition, which is dedicated to educating Americans about the reliability and affordability of clean, safe nuclear energy. Tennesseans should be proud of the great strides that their state has made in generating clean nuclear energy, and in bringing the future of nuclear technology to life.

Ron Kirk is a former U.S. trade representative and mayor of Dallas. He serves alongside Christine Todd Whitman as co-chairman of the Clean and Safe Energy Coalition (www.CleanSafeEnergy.org).